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MiLB Game Preview: Riders Open Road Series at Midland Following Dominant Pitching Performance

FRISCO, Texas (Aug. 12, 2025) – The Frisco RoughRiders begin a pivotal six-game set against the Midland RockHounds on Tuesday night at Momentum Bank Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT as the RoughRiders (16-23, 54-53) look to build off a shutout victory on Sunday against the Arkansas Travelers.

Frisco closed its road series in North Little Rock with a 2-0 win, powered by strong pitching across the board. José Gonzalez, making his Double-A debut, set the tone with five scoreless innings before the bullpen took over to preserve the victory. The result gave Frisco its second-straight series win and pushed the club back above the .500 mark overall.


Series Outlook

Tuesday’s opener against Midland begins the fourth and final regular-season series between the two Texas League South Division rivals. The RockHounds (17-22, 56-52) currently hold a two-game edge over Frisco in the second-half standings, setting up an important matchup for postseason positioning.

Midland enters the series following a 5-3 win over Corpus Christi, splitting their six-game set with the Hooks. The RockHounds are paced by a steady offensive core, led by top prospect Jacob Wilson, who is batting .311 with 28 doubles and 52 RBIs. The Riders, meanwhile, lean on pitching depth and timely hitting, as Sunday’s series finale against Arkansas highlighted.


Riders to Watch

  • José Gonzalez (RHP): After spinning five shutout innings in his Double-A debut, the right-hander is expected to remain in the rotation and could see action again this week. Gonzalez’s poise and ability to command the zone drew praise from the coaching staff.

  • Keyber Rodriguez (INF): Rodriguez jump-started the offense Sunday with an RBI single in the first inning and continues to be one of the Riders’ most consistent hitters with runners in scoring position.

  • Aaron Zavala (OF): While his bat has heated up in recent weeks, Zavala’s aggressive baserunning remains an X-factor. His pressure on pitchers helped force a balk that scored Frisco’s second run in the last game.

  • Frainyer Chavez (INF): The only Rider to collect multiple hits Sunday, Chavez has quietly raised his average above .280 and is a steady contributor at the top of the lineup.


RockHounds to Watch

  • Jacob Wilson (SS): Oakland’s top infield prospect has anchored Midland’s lineup all season. His plate discipline and gap power make him a constant threat at the top of the order.

  • Colby Thomas (OF): With 17 home runs and 65 RBIs, Thomas is the RockHounds’ main power threat. He delivered a pair of clutch hits in the previous series and will test Frisco’s pitching staff.

  • Jack Perkins (RHP): Expected to take the ball in the opener, Perkins owns a 5-6 record with a 4.72 ERA. He faced Frisco earlier this season, allowing two runs over five innings in a no-decision.


Keys to the Series

For the RoughRiders, the formula remains simple: pitching efficiency and manufacturing early runs. Frisco has struggled at times to sustain offense late in games, but Sunday’s win showed the value of striking first and letting the bullpen close the door. Midland, on the other hand, thrives when its offense produces crooked numbers early, allowing the staff to pitch with a cushion.

Defensive execution will also be crucial. Both clubs sit near the middle of the league in fielding percentage, and miscues could swing the momentum in a tightly contested matchup.


What’s Next

Following this series in Midland, the RoughRiders return home to host the San Antonio Missions on Aug. 19. With the Texas League South standings tight entering the final stretch of the second half, each series carries added weight for both Frisco and Midland as they chase a playoff berth.

First pitch Tuesday is set for 6:30 p.m. CT from Midland. Fans can follow live coverage on MiLB.TV and through the RoughRiders’ radio broadcast on the Frisco RoughRiders Baseball Network.

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